Olympics

[陈恩达]

BEIJING (AFP-Friday, January 18) - - Britain's Gordon Brown arrived in China Friday for his maiden visit as prime minister, with tackling climate change and boosting two-way trade and investment top of the agenda...


In the July/August issue of Amnesty Magazine it reviews the promises made six years ago on Human Rights when Beijing was 'awarded' the 2008 Games. It lists 10 serious violations across the country which they say are "fuelling instability and discontent".

China's one-party regime executes more people each year than the rest of the world put together; two thirds of the 68 crimes punishable by death are non-violent crimes. Re-education through Labour' camps have been used to hold critics of the dictatorship for up to four years without charge or trial. RTL is also being used, the report says, to "clean up" Beijing in time for the Olympics. 'Evidence' in courts can be the result of torture and verdicts given after political interference. Many prisoners, subjected to torture, die in custody.

The IOC rejected the objections and said, "A Beijing Games would leave a unique legacy to China and to sports". Equated with the award of the Olympics to Japan in 1964 and South Korea in 1988, the event is seen as an economic 'coming-out party'. But Amnesty International says that far from improving, as the Chinese economy has opened up to the world, repression in China is getting worse.


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[Música101]

Whoes going to watch the olympics? I am.

[istanbulgal]

I would not miss this great global event. And what a spectacular opening it was, a sea of pride and colour!

[Música101]

The opening is my favorite part. I love seeing all the countreis come together It's so bueatiful(sp?).

[dya]

The opening was absolutely impressive I really don't regret having spent 4 hours in front of the TV !! Wonderful

[jandros]

Originally Posted by Música101

The opening is my favorite part. I love seeing all the countreis come together It's so bueatiful(sp?).

Oh my God I missed the opening!!! I am thoroughly ashamed of myself. I always love to see, what, 150-200 flags?? All flying together.... it's really awesome.

BASKETBALL!!! That's always one of my main interests, cuz I love the game, I play it and I've coached it. AND ... the U.S. coach, Mike Krzyzewski lives about 35km from me! He's actually a rival coach, against my University of North Carolina, but of course he's my man right now! So our first b-ball game is against China, and then ...... hmmm ...... will it be the U.S. against Spain, Greece, or Argentina in the final game? Or Lithuania? Those guys are always tough, hard to beat.

But I also love gymnastics and track-and-field........ I love all of it!! And I also really like to see the features about different countries, stories about individual athletes and their home countries. Sometimes I think that's the best part of all the Olympics.

edit ... the correct spelling is 'beautiful', but not to worry!

[Lyssa]

The opening show was great I want to watch gymnastics^^ & volley

[Zahra2008]

ohh yeah... olimpics are great....... but not much to say about Mexico this year...

[osaki]

i missed it on tv......

[Música101]

Originally Posted by jandros

Oh my God I missed the opening!!! I am thoroughly ashamed of myself. I always love to see, what, 150-200 flags?? All flying together.... it's really awesome.

BASKETBALL!!! That's always one of my main interests, cuz I love the game, I play it and I've coached it. AND ... the U.S. coach, Mike Krzyzewski lives about 35km from me! He's actually a rival coach, against my University of North Carolina, but of course he's my man right now! So our first b-ball game is against China, and then ...... hmmm ...... will it be the U.S. against Spain, Greece, or Argentina in the final game? Or Lithuania? Those guys are always tough, hard to beat.

But I also love gymnastics and track-and-field........ I love all of it!! And I also really like to see the features about different countries, stories about individual athletes and their home countries. Sometimes I think that's the best part of all the Olympics.

edit ... the correct spelling is 'beautiful', but not to worry!

Don't worry, you did not miss the opening. You will see it tonight because of the time difference. =]

[PROPEL]

I am def. going to watch it!!!

My favorite is the opening cerimony.
absolute. hahah


Then all of the other ones, like Swimming, Track-Field...
In USA (Cincinnati,OH) It's on tonight from 730 - 1200. or 700-1200.
hahah long time. but im excited!!

[jandros]

Originally Posted by Música101

Don't worry, you did not miss the opening. You will see it tonight because of the time difference. =]

Yes, great, and thanks! =) In about 40 minutes I'll tune in for our coverage in the eastern U.S.

I just heard an incredible bit of trivia, not at all important, but interesting: Apparently, in China the number 8 is very meaningful. According to our NBC news, the Olympics formally opened (in Beijing time?) on the 8th minute of the 8th hour, and on the 8th day of the 8th month, of the 8th year of the new millenium: 08:08, 08/08/08. Incredible .....

@Lissa: yes, volleyball! I love the game.

[PROPEL]

The opening cerimony was AMAZING.

i mean A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

jaw-dropping. wow.

and i LOVED the Parade of Nations.


I rooted for Russia, Bulgaria, and US!!!

and some of China! hah

[maria_gr]

Yes yes I loved the opening ceremony, but of course my favorite was in 2004! Oh and they sang the authentic Olympic anthem, the Greek one, that was great! Hmm the only thing that bothers me is the time difference.

Originally Posted by jandros

will it be the U.S. against Spain, Greece, or Argentina in the final game? Or Lithuania? Those guys are always tough, hard to beat.

Hmm Lithuania? I don't think so... I mean it's a great team, but I don't think it could make it to the finals. But Greece, Spain, U.S. and Argentina are for sure the favorites...

[istanbulgal]

[quote=jandros;403498]Apparently, in China the number 8 is very meaningful. According to our NBC news, the Olympics formally opened (in Beijing time?) on the 8th minute of the 8th hour, and on the 8th day of the 8th month, of the 8th year of the new millenium: 08:08, 08/08/08.QUOTE]

It is a well-known fact that the Chinese are super superstitious.

"The most fortunate number in the Chinese official language of Mandarin is the number eight, which means "prosperity," "fortune" or "wealth." That's about as lucky as you can get! The Beijing Olympics are due to commence on 08.08.2008, at eight o'clock in the evening, which will certainly guarantee that the Games will be carried out under the most auspicious of circumstances.

In China, it is common to see customized license plates bearing as many number eights as possible. Most large companies and hotels also try to fit as many number eights in their street addresses or telephone numbers as money can buy. Most telephone companies and car registration authorities have adopted a policy of charging extra for each number eight wanted by the customer. Someone has even purchased the telephone number 8888-8888".

***

It seems that the #8 is working thus far as the Chinese has won 2 medals on its first day...congrats to them, as well as the other countries that have medalled so far...Czech Republic (air rifle shooting), Italy, Spain & Switzerland (cycling), China & Turkey (weight-lifting).

Can't wait for my favourite events: diving, gymnastics, swimming, tennis and of course track & field!

[istanbulgal]

Jandros, this story is for you. The only 8 i have going for me is my size (body, shoes is bigger!).

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26099203...5773?GT1=31037

[Música101]

Originally Posted by PROPEL

The opening cerimony was AMAZING.

i mean A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

jaw-dropping. wow.

and i LOVED the Parade of Nations.

China did a great job!!

[jandros]

Originally Posted by Música101

China did a great job!!

Yes, everyone who has said it, I agree completely! The opening drums impressed me a lot, to begin with, and then I was amazed again and again for the next 4 hours. I think the people of China simply wanted this soooooo much ... and I really feel good for them.

But for me, as always, the impressive thing was to see 204 countries, all represented in 1 tiny circle. Incredible!

@Maria!!! Greece ... 2004 was "your" year, but of course every Olympics is the heritage of Greece! And the children singing the Olympic theme in Greek sounded so beautiful!!! I loved it.

[istanbulgal]

Originally Posted by jandros

The opening drums impressed me a lot, to begin with, and then I was amazed again and again for the next 4 hours.

Surpassed everyone's expectations for sure. The next is the winter olympics in Vancouver, Canada in 2010; I already feel sorry for the organizers there, they are probably scratching their brains wondering how on earth they will be able to outdo what they saw yesterday.?!!

[jandros]

Originally Posted by istanbulgal

Surpassed everyone's expectations for sure. The next is the winter olympics in Vancouver, Canada in 2010; I already feel sorry for the organizers there....

Not to worry my friend! I know that Canada will also do an outstanding job!! Seriously, there is a lot that people don't know about Canada, or have not seen it "up close and personal", but I've seen quite a bit of Canada and I know that your winter Olympics will be spectacular!

My vote for Parade of Nations "best entrance" or "most lively/spicey entrance": The Italians! Gotta love 'em!

Volleyball, Girls: Tough games, great competition between U.S. and Japan!

Beach Volleyball, Guys: U.S., ranked #1, were upset! But they talk about "lowest rated" or #1 rated teams, but there is always a "sleeper" who can surprise everyone. I love it.

Beach Volleyball, Girls: Great match between Netherlands and U.S. ... I don't know who won yet, but I love the 2-person teams.

Equestrian: Has anyone seen the beautiful horses? I don't even care about that competition, I just enjoyed watching the horses with gorgeous silver/gray colors, so well-trained and so disciplined. It was artistry, poetry in motion.

[jandros]

Originally Posted by istanbulgal

Jandros, this story is for you...http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26099203...5773?GT1=31037

I love the kids' names! And "crazy 8s" again Thanks!!

[istanbulgal]

Originally Posted by jandros

I've seen quite a bit of Canada and I know that your winter Olympics will be spectacular!

You're right...all preparations to welcome the world are way under way & you are cordially invited Jandros, you ALL are!! Vancouver, British Columbia - Canada - February 12-28, 2010.

[jandros]

Men's Basketball .....

Originally Posted by maria_gr

...Lithuania? I don't think so... I mean it's a great team, but I don't think it could make it to the finals. But Greece, Spain, U.S. and Argentina are for sure the favorites...

Yes, the "big 4". But our NBC network says this about 2008 Basketball: "... could be the toughest Olympic tournament ever." 6 teams can challenge for medals? ... Australia has also played strong against Argentina and the U.S., or so they say.

Aside from the players, the coach for the U.S., Coach K, is a force to be reckoned with. My University of NC plays his Duke University, twice or more every year. He HATES to lose. He's a terrific (terrible!!!) competitor. I'm even afraid that people will see his bad side ... he can be very intense. When the camera is on him, if you know English profanity, don't read his lips!

[PROPEL]

I mean, I knew that it would be awsome.
but I didnt expect it to be AMZAING like it was.

Im so curious of how the next opeining games will be.

I mean, China, really put the expectations VERY VERY VERY high.